Naked Science Forum
General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Carolyn on 26/03/2009 20:53:17
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Nic and I are having a disagreement on this. I say it's dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm, Nic says I'm being silly and that you can't get struck by lightening while showering.
Can someone tell me whose right & why?
Please & thank you. [:X]
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I don't think it's a good idea. Your plumbing / pipes could act as a conduits for the electrical currents produced by the lightning.
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Nic and I are having a disagreement on this. I say it's dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm,
Absolutely! It's a good idea to stay away from all conductors of electricity. This would include water lines, metal railing, and especially tall structures such as trees and light poles. It's also a good idea if you are really consious of the danger to remain in the lower floors of the house. If lighting were to strike your house, it will almost always strike the highest point first..........Ethos
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WOW really.. I would have thought with things being so grounded inside a home that it would be alright.. I always shower in storms its nice and relaxing nice hot shower and the sound of thunder and lightening to lull me to sleep snuggled under my blankets... I never thought of it being dangerous?
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We can't all be hypochondraics. I reckon you'd be alright, i'd do it.
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I don't even realise I'm doing it.
Better stick with the bathtub next time aye? [:)]
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Is there anything that you can be doing so that you can safely say you won't get struck by lightning?
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Is there anything that you can be doing so that you can safely say you won't get struck by lightning?
Sitting in a Faraday cage.
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It's not safe to take a shower in the Bate's Motel during a thunderstorm.
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LOL...LOL......I second that!!!
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You need to define "dangerous." The risk is small, but not zero. However, from what I've read you are more likely to be injured using a corded phone or other appliance.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/indoors.htm
"10 to 20 people in the United States are shocked annually while bathing, using faucets or handling appliances during storms."
http://www.seattlepi.com/health/281449_hrail17.html
"In 2008, 27 Fatalities: All were outside"
"302 Injuries: There were 176 adults, 62 teens and 15 children injured, 201 males and 60 females. 184 were outside and 13 were inside." (which doesn't add to 302)
http://www.struckbylightning.org/
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I should think it's OK so long as you realise you run the risk of getting wet!
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As long as you were not standing naked on the roof of your house,using the rain as your water source you would probably be ok.
Internal houses hold water supply pipes are earthed so there should be no problem their. The only scenario i can think of that could maybe give you a problems would be a direct strike into a broken outflow pipe from your house with a constant stream of water leading to the drain in your shower.